Lay Bet in Craps: What It Means & How It Works
On the surface, craps is a simple dice game. But craps betting can get pretty complicated if you’re willing to delve into the finer points of this game. The lay bet is just one of these options, and it involves betting against the shooter (the player who rolls).
It’s essentially the opposite of a place bet, and in this guide, we’ll show you how it works and discuss some lay bet craps strategies.
What is a Lay Bet in Craps?
A lay bet is a wager that a certain number won’t appear before the shooter rolls the number 7. With a place bet, you’re wagering that the number will be rolled before the 7—a lay bet is the opposite.
Although it sounds like a long shot, there are six different ways for that 7 to land in craps:
- 1 and 6 x2
- 2 and 5 x2
- 3 and 4 x2
This equates to a 1/6 possibility that a 7 will be rolled at any given time.
Lay bets are known as “playing the dark side” or “laying the dark side,” with the “dark side” referencing any bets that are made against the shooter.
How to Place a Craps Lay Bet
A lay bet in craps is placed on numbers 4 to 10, except for 7. You can lay as many of these bets as you want during a single game and win if a 7 is rolled before the number you laid.
To place a craps lay bet, simply hand over your chips and say that you want to “lay the 4” or whatever number you want to lay. If you’re playing online, there will be a dedicated button where you can select this option.
What is a House Edge on a Lay Bet in Craps?
In craps, the house edge varies by the type of bet you place, and lay bets offer one of the lowest edges in the game.
The exact house edge will depend on the commission charged by the casino and whether this is charged on all bets or just winning bets:
- House edge on 4 and 10 = 1.7% for winning bet commissions and 2.5% for commissions on all bets
- House edge on 5 and 9 = 2% for winning bet commissions and 3.3% for commissions on all bets
- House edge on 6 and 8 = 2.3% for winning bet commissions and 4% for commissions on all bets
Always check the commission structure in advance, whether playing live or online table games.
Why Should You Use a Craps Lay Bet?
The lower house edge is a good reason to place a lay bet. It also adds a little variety to your play and can be a fun change of pace if you have been making a lot of place or buy bets.
Lay bets also offer true odds, meaning the house edge reflects your payout. It’s akin to flipping a coin and getting a 1:1 payout. This means no one has an edge, and you and the person taking your money rely on Lady Luck to determine the overall outcome.
Typically, casinos will include an advantage built into the game that means they win even if 1,000 people bet on tails and 1,000 people bet on heads.
The absence of this built-in advantage is why casinos charge a commission on lay bets in craps.
Craps Betting Strategies for Lay Bets
There are various betting strategies for craps, the most common of which is the Iron Cross craps strategy, which includes place bets and a field bet.
It’s a game of chance, so there is no way to guarantee success every time you bet and roll, but there are a couple of things you can do to increase your chances and balance the odds:
- Bet Against Shooters with Bad Luck: If the shooter seems to miss every bet, it could be a good time to bet against them. Just because they have missed before doesn’t mean they will do so again, but if you feel like the momentum is against them, bet the lay.
- Wait for New Dice: Some regular craps players will wait for new dice before betting on the lay, as there is no wear and tear, and 100% random rolls are more common. Dice are usually changed during slow periods, such as early morning hours.
Summary: Lay Bet in Craps
A lay bet goes against the shooter and pays when the 7 lands before the selected number. It can be a good bet to make, but you need to remember that this is a game of chance, and while the house edge and payouts vary from option to option, there is no way to reduce that edge or predict/alter the outcome.
Play craps online now at BetUS to test some of these bets out for yourself.
Table Games Common Queries
What does a lay bet mean in craps?
A lay bet goes against the shooter, wagering that the 7 will appear before the selected number.
How does a lay bet work?
It applies to numbers from 4 to 10 (except 7) and wins when the shooter rolls a 7 before the chosen number.
What happens if I lay a bet?
You will need to look out for the 7. If it’s rolled before the number, you win.
What is the best bet in craps?
Most players opt for pass-line bets with maximum odds, as they offer the lowest house edge.
What is the 3/4/5 rule in craps?
The casino will accept bets of up to three, four, and five times the pass line wager as odds on 4/10, 5/9, and 6/8, respectively.
What does “lay your bets” mean?
A lay bet is not limited to craps. It’s also common on betting exchanges, with punters laying against a certain outcome and going against those who bet on that outcome.
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